Vuzix Shield
The Vuzix Shield is an enterprise-grade augmented reality smart glasses developed by Vuzix, announced at CES 2022 and released in April 2024. It is the world's first binocular Micro-LED-based smart glasses designed specifically for enterprise applications. The Shield features stereo 13 MP cameras, an 8-core processor, ANSI Z87.1 safety certification, and integrated noise-canceling audio, making it suitable for industrial, medical, and field service applications.
| Vuzix Shield | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | AR Glasses |
| Subtype | Enterprise AR |
| Platform | Vuzix OS |
| Developer | Vuzix |
| Manufacturer | Vuzix |
| Announcement Date | January 2022 (CES 2022) |
| Release Date | April 2024 |
| Price | $2,499.99 USD |
| Website | https://www.vuzix.com/products/vuzix-shield-smart-glasses |
| System | |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 |
| CPU | 8-core |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | Binocular Micro-LED waveguide |
| Resolution | High definition |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 30° diagonal |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Ultra-slim waveguide |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated acoustic chambers, noise cancellation |
| Camera | 2× 13 MP stereo cameras (autofocus, 4K 30fps video) |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C |
| Device | |
| Weight | Enterprise-grade |
| Color | Black |
History and Development
Vuzix showcased the Shield at CES 2022 as a next-generation enterprise smart glasses solution. Building on Vuzix's experience with the Vuzix M400 and Vuzix Blade series, the Shield was designed from the ground up for demanding professional environments where safety certification, durability, and advanced features are essential.[1]
The glasses officially released in April 2024 after an extended development period to ensure enterprise-grade quality and reliability.
Design and Hardware
Display Technology
The Vuzix Shield uses ultra-slim binocular waveguides powered by Micro-LED projectors:
- 1 micron Micro-LED pixels—one of the highest density pixel arrays available
- 92% RGB color accuracy
- 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio
- 30° diagonal field of view (widest in Vuzix's smart glasses lineup)
- Crisp video with contextual information overlay[2]
Processing
- Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 platform with enhanced AR capabilities
- 8-core CPU for complex application processing
- Fully wireless operation with self-contained computing
Camera System
The Shield features advanced stereo cameras:
- Dual 13 MP cameras with autofocus
- Up to 4K 30fps video recording
- Integrated privacy LED (indicates when recording)
- Advanced optical reader with barcode scanner
- See-what-I-see video streaming capability[3]
Audio
- Integrated acoustic chambers
- Active noise cancellation
- Clear, immersive audio experience
- Suitable for noisy industrial environments
Safety Certification
The Vuzix Shield is designed as certified safety glasses:
- ANSI Z87.1 certification for:
* Hard impact protection * Radiation protection * Splash protection * Dust protection * Small particle protection
- Compatible with prescription lens inserts
Controls
- Capacitive touchpad on temple (side of glasses)
- Supports swipe gestures (left/right/up/down)
- One-finger and two-finger tap recognition
- Glove-compatible operation
- Voice command integration
Enterprise Features
Remote Assistance
The Shield excels at remote assistance applications:
- See-what-I-see video streaming
- Facilities walkthroughs
- Insurance audits
- Workplace safety checks
- Maintenance inspections
- Field service calls
Built-in Software
- INCOGNITO technology for enhanced privacy/security
- Enterprise device management support
- Compatible with major enterprise platforms
Wireless Operation
- Self-contained batteries in each temple
- Fully wireless without external battery packs
- Mobile access to content and remote assistance
Use Cases
The Vuzix Shield is designed for:
- Industrial: Manufacturing, warehousing, logistics
- Medical: Remote consultations, surgical assistance
- Field Service: Equipment maintenance, installations
- Insurance: Remote audits and assessments
- Safety: Workplace inspections and compliance
Reception
Praise:
- High-quality, comfortable, and durable build
- Phenomenal high-resolution waveguide display
- Comprehensive safety certifications (ANSI Z87.1)
- Stereo 13 MP cameras with 4K video
- Noise-canceling audio
- Truly wireless with self-contained batteries
- Wide 30° FOV for Vuzix lineup
- Glove-compatible touchpad
Criticism:
- Bulkier and heavier than consumer glasses
- High price ($2,499.99)
- Not designed for style/consumer use
- Enterprise-focused feature set[4]
See Also
References
- ↑ "Vuzix Showcases its New Shield at CES 2022 as the World's First MicroLED-based Binocular Smart Glasses for Enterprise". PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vuzix-showcases-its-new-shield--at-ces-2022-as-the-worlds-first-microled-based-binocular-smart-glasses-for-enterprise-301454750.html.
- ↑ "Vuzix Shield". Vuzix. https://www.vuzix.com/products/vuzix-shield-smart-glasses.
- ↑ "Vuzix Shield Review: Secure Enterprise-Quality Smart Glasses". XR Today. https://www.xrtoday.com/augmented-reality/vuzix-shield-review-secure-enterprise-quality-smart-glasses/.
- ↑ "Vuzix Shield: Release Date, Key Features and Cost". VR Expert. https://vrx.vr-expert.com/vuzix-shield-release-date-key-features-and-cost-everything-you-need-to-know/.